Admission and Aid

Enrolling in law school can indeed be a wise investment for many individuals. A legal education opens doors to a wide array of rewarding career opportunities, from legal practice to corporate roles and government positions. It equips you with critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that hold immense value across various professions. The USD School of Law, with its distinguished faculty, supportive community and commitment to diverse perspectives, offers an enriching environment to nurture your legal career aspirations, making it a promising investment in your future.

At the USD School of Law, your legal education is a transformative journey defined by the principles of The San Diego Way, a collegial, creative and balanced approach to life and law. This distinctive philosophy encourages us to cultivate authentic, long-lasting relationships, continually innovate and grow together as a community.

Our institution offers an environment where students not only learn but also thrive, equipped with the tools to make a global impact. Situated near an international border and within San Diego's diverse industries, our location exposes students and faculty to pressing real-world issues, fostering international exposure and nurturing many perspectives.

Our distinguished faculty, renowned in areas such as intellectual property, employment law and constitutional studies, are at the frontier of legal knowledge allowing you to learn what’s next from those deciding it. Equally importantly, our faulty mentors and empowers students to become exceptional legal professionals and future-ready leaders in the legal community. Scholarly excellence here isn't just a goal; it's a daily practice that equips students with the knowledge and deep-thinking skills you need to be prepared as lawyers and leaders in whatever field you choose.

Furthermore, the USD School of Law places a premium on diversity and inclusivity, valuing a wide range of experiences and viewpoints. We firmly believe that a diversity of thought drives meaningful dialogue. Our inclusive community allows you to refine your critical thinking abilities across various policy and practice areas, an imperative aspect of success in the legal field.

Your journey at USD Law transcends the pursuit of a degree; it's about becoming a well-rounded and impactful legal professional, embodying The San Diego Way and contributing to a vibrant, forward-thinking community both within and beyond our campus.

At the USD School of Law, we seek individuals who aspire to become future change-makers in the legal world. Successful candidates demonstrate a blend of qualities and experiences that reflect unwavering dedication, commitment and potential for legal studies. While there is no one-size-fits-all profile, our holistic admissions process takes into account each applicant's distinct background and experiences to craft a diverse and dynamic student body.

We value strong academic achievements, as they showcase your potential to excel in our rigorous programs. Equally important are your critical thinking skills that are honed through engaging discussions and complex legal analysis. Effective communication abilities are a must since they are fundamental to legal practice and advocacy.

Leadership potential is a trait we admire as it reflects your capacity to influence and drive positive change. A commitment to community service or social justice aligns with our values, as we believe in the power of law to create a more just society. Most importantly, a genuine passion for the field of law is the driving force behind your success here.

We encourage you to apply with confidence, knowing that we recognize and celebrate the unique qualities and experiences that make each applicant an invaluable addition to our dynamic community. Your journey at the USD School of Law starts with your application, and we can't wait to welcome you to our inspiring and vibrant legal education environment.

You can choose from a comprehensive array of financial aid options to support your legal education journey. Our scholarships, including both merit-based and need-based, provide opportunities for academic and professional growth. Additionally, we offer low-interest loans, private financial assistance options and on-campus work-study employment to help you manage the costs of your education. We recommend early application to maximize eligibility for these resources since some scholarships and loans have limited availability. Your success is our priority and we are dedicated to making your legal education accessible and affordable with personalized financial aid packages.

The cost of attending USD Law includes tuition, fees and living expenses for the academic year. Tuition and fees vary by program. Living expenses encompass housing, transportation, books and personal costs and will vary based on your circumstances. For precise and current cost details, visit our Cost of Attendance section. We recognize the significance of your investment in legal education and are committed to providing the information and assistance necessary for informed financial planning.

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of USD Law's values. We don't just aim for a diversified student body; we actively foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives thrive. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, creating a vibrant community that embraces open-mindedness, encourages dialogue and upholds excellence in legal education.

We firmly believe that diverse thinking enriches discussions and that exposure to a spectrum of perspectives is essential for developing critical thinking skills. To champion diversity and inclusion, we've implemented a range of initiatives and programs. These include student organizations, affinity groups and events that celebrate our diversity and promote meaningful discourse.

Our commitment extends to providing resources, support and a welcoming community for all students. At the USD School of Law, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to excel in your legal education.

Our esteemed faculty, renowned scholars in fields such as intellectual property, employment and constitutional law, lead our experiential learning programs. They are internationally recognized experts with a passion for inspiring the next generation of legal minds. They bring their expertise to campus, ready to evolve your thinking, impart practical skills and offer invaluable mentorship. Our faculty's accessibility and approachability fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging you to engage in meaningful discussions and develop a deeper understanding of the law. Their vast experience allows them to bridge the gap between theory and practice, a benefit that stays with our graduates throughout their legal careers.

Here are a few highlights from the experiential programs we offer:

USD Legal Clinics: Our experiential clinics have a storied history of not only providing practical training to law students but also delivering vital legal services to underserved communities in San Diego. These celebrated programs seamlessly integrate with our robust academic curriculum, allowing students to become effective advocates under the mentorship of our experienced professors and practicing attorneys. Beyond the classroom, these clinics offer a unique chance to gain practical skills, make a meaningful impact in the community and leave a lasting legacy through your legal work.

Externship Opportunities: Our externship programs offer you the chance to earn academic credit while gaining real-world legal experience under the supervision of experienced attorneys working with approved employers. These programs also include faculty-taught courses designed to enhance your placement. Whether you're interested in government agencies, non-profits, corporations or other organizations, our externship programs provide you with access to practical skills, valuable employment experience and crucial professional connections.

You can view the application schedule and our application checklist on our JD Admissions page.